Okpebholo Lashed For Threatening Obi

Okpebholo lashed for threatening Obi as he warns against entering Edo without permission

As the Nigerian politicians prepare for the 2027 elections, Monday Okpebholo has warned Labour Party’s Peter Obi against entering Edo State without being permitted.

Following the threat issued by the Edo State Governor, a wave of backlash has trailed his statement after he warned that Peter Obi should not come into the state without first notifying him or being cleared by the security of the state.

In a clip in circulation on social media, Governor Okpebholo, speaking at Uromi, Esan North East Local Government area, alleged that Mr. Obi recent visit to the state catalysed uproar and such an unapproved visit should not recur.

“This message is for the man who claims he has no ‘shishi’,” Governor Okpebholo of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) stated, making a reference to Mr. Obi’s well-known remark about living a modest life.

Okpebholo Lashed For Threatening Obi

“There’s a new sheriff in town. He cannot just come into Edo without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”

Mr. Okpebholo stated that after the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential aspirant gave-away N15 million during his previous visit to the state, three people died.

“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed.

“For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” he said.

This makes it the second time an APC incumbent governor is warning Peter Obi, who continues to draw huge attention prior to the 2027 general elections.

Back in April, Hyacinth Alia, the executive Governor of Benue State, also admonished the former Anambra State Governor against paying any visit to the state, for humanitarian aid, without being cleared by the security agency to do so. Mr. Obi eventually cancelled the planned visit.

During the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, as the Labour Party presidential flag bearer, won Edo State and slimily lost Benue State to the All Progressives Congress (APC)─the ruling party.

How People React

The uncivil threat made by the Edo governor had incited stern reactions from various quarters, among civil society groups, lawyers, political figures, and analysts.

In a statement made by Kunle Edun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former National Publicity Secretary of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), stated that the governor’s statement goes against his sworn oath of office, arrant misinterpretation of constitutional authority.

Okpebholo Lashed For Threatening Obi

“The social media is replete with a viral video of the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, allegedly addressing a crowd of his supporters in Benin City. The Governor was reportedly seen threatening Mr. Peter Obi… not to enter Edo State without his permission,” Mr. Edun said.

Okpebholo Lashed For Threatening Obi

“All governors are, by virtue of their constitutional powers, the Chief Security Officers of their respective states and are enjoined to ensure that lives and properties are protected, as this is the primary responsibility of government.”

He continued: “Mr. Peter Obi is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has the constitutional right to move, reside and visit any place in Nigeria, he continued.

“That right is guaranteed by the provisions of Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution. It is only the Constitution or a law validly passed that can restrict the movement of a citizen—not the pronouncement of a governor.”

The SAN went on to describe the statement as “most unfortunate”, stressing that it could deter investors and visitors from visiting Edo State.

“Edo State is a peaceful and lovely state. Its people are friendly and welcoming,” he concluded.

Chidi Odinkalu, Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, also stated that the threat was dangerous and unconstitutional.

“For the avoidance of doubt, every #Nigerian citizen has a constitutional right to #FreeMovement to any part of the country.

“The exercise of that right does not exist at the say-so of any politician, no matter the amount of #JudiciallySanctioned #ElectionRigging procured for them,” in a post on X.

Okpebholo Lashed For Threatening Obi

The coalition of United Political parties (CUPP) described the governor’s claim as a shielded death threat.

“Okpebholo’s recorded remarks, warning Obi not to ‘dare’ enter Edo State without his permission and stating that his security ‘is not guaranteed,’ constitute a veiled death threat against a law-abiding citizen exercising his constitutional rights,” the group said in a statement shared by its National Publicity Secretary, Peter Ameh.

Okpebholo Lashed For Threatening Obi

The group added that the statements go against Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which safeguards the freedom of movement and residence across Nigeria.

The group made a call on Nigerian political leaders and civil society to oppose what is described as “an unacceptable display of thuggery.”

“That’s clear evidence of how our political arena is filled with the wrong people. Conduct a job interview for Okpebholo in a well-established private organisation and see if he can get employment to supervise a unit in that same organisation.

“Everything about the system is completely wrong, especially our leadership recruitment process due to manipulation and interference.

“A corrective measure will not work, all we need is a complete overhaul,” Mr. Ameh added.

In the response of the Obedient Movement, a political support platform for Peter Obi, also lashed out at the Edo Governor and noted that Mr. Okpebholo should be held responsible if harms befall the former governor of Anambra State.

Okpebholo Lashed For Threatening Obi

“The threats must not be taken lightly,” the group warned. “Governor Okpebholo, like other governors, is the chief security officer of his state. His words carry consequences.”

On the other hand, the President-General of Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ikenne Ellis-Ezenekwe, lambasted the governor’s reckless statement.

“Governor Okpebholo must exercise greater caution in the manner he expresses himself, especially now that he speaks not just as a politician, but as an elected governor,” the statement read.

The group described the remarks as unbefitting of a public officeholder. “Such an allegation — that Obi’s visit led to the death of three individuals — is reckless and irresponsible.”

In the statement, there was also an allegation that the governor’s threat mirrors a deeper uncongeniality towards oppositions and suggested ethnic enmity against the Igbo community.

In a post attributed to a Human Right lawyer Inibelle Effiong on X: “A semi-literate governor is issuing silly threats to a politician publicly in the name of politics.

‘The Edo State Governor should be ashamed of himself. We cannot tolerate such irresponsible behaviour.”

Another X user, identified as Raymond, posted: “This man ran to the north to beg for the killings in Edo State but has the effrontery to make such crass and silly remarks about Peter Obi.”

Also VeryDarkMan (VDM) put up: “Governor Okpebholo, please stop spreading hate. I know you have to work for the Oga at the top, however, please do not do it at the expense of the integrity of the great people of Edo State.

“Dear Peter Obi, we the people of Edo State apologise for this.”

Okpebholo Lashed For Threatening Obi